Barbell Landmine Split Squat

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Intermediate

Unilateral lower body exercise with a landmine-anchored barbell that targets quads, glutes, and hamstrings to build leg strength, balance, and core stability while correcting imbalances.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell, Others

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Adductors, Calves

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Adductors

4/10

Adductor Magnus

Calves

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor one end of the barbell in a landmine attachment or corner. Load the free end with plates, stand in a split stance with front foot forward and back heel raised, holding the bar at chest height with both hands.

  1. Brace core and keep torso upright.
  2. Bend both knees to lower body until back knee nearly touches ground.
  3. Push through front foot to extend knees and hips back to start.
  4. Drive with front leg while keeping back knee aligned under hip.
  5. Maintain front knee over toes throughout.
  6. Switch legs after reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Stay upright
  • Knees track toes
  • Push through front heel
  • Core tight
  • Even weight distribution

Breathing

Inhale as you lower, exhale as you drive up; brace core throughout.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower until back knee hovers above ground and front thigh is parallel to floor; front knee aligns with toes.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee or back pain
  • Start with light weight
  • Ensure stable landmine setup
  • Use towel to protect corner if needed
  • Consult professional for form

Spotting

Spotter assists by supporting bar if needed for heavy loads; otherwise, use safeties or lighter weight.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning forward
  • Knee caving in
  • Shifting feet
  • Rushing descent
  • Arching back

When to Avoid

  • Knee injuries
  • Lower back issues
  • Hip imbalances

Flexibility Needed

  • Ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion range

Build Up First

  • Basic squat form
  • Single-leg stability

Also known as

Landmine Split Squat, Barbell Split Lunge

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